If you're getting married or if you're hosting an event, you might as well call Calin Manescu to capture it on video. You won't regret it.

And you don't have to take my word for it. If companies like Sony, Audi, Kraft Foods and others, hire him for promo videos, advertisements and what not, there must be solid value to his videography, right?

He's probably the best professional videographer in this part of Europe and he's here to inspire us. I'm grateful for his generosity and I certainly hope to learn more about shooting and editing videos by working with him (we live in the same city).

Read the interview and watch his embedded videos below:

Interview

1. Since we're on VideoEditingSoftware.com, of course I have to ask you: what video editing software do you use and why?

For editing, I use the Adobe suite (CS5 and CS6). For the basic montage (simple cuts) I use Adobe Premiere and for more complicated stuff (titles, tracking, area color correction) I use Adobe After Effects.

I chose Adobe back in 2009 when I switched to shooting with DSLRs. At that time, Adobe used to handle DSLR footage the best (H264 compression). Until 2009 I used Avid and Adobe.

Why do I still use it? Because it covers most of my needs. And it's not worth my while to switch the workflow/editing software - I'd rather spend that time shooting or directing.

2. When did you start making videos?

I started with a few amateurish Counter Strike videos, then I got more serious. I've been learning, stealing and analyzing for the past 6 years. Lately I started creating as well. :-)

3. Have you attended any cameraman/editing/directing classes or courses?

I haven't attended any video/cinematography courses. At some point I felt I wanted to express myself trough moving pictures and I perused the internet for information. One thing is certain: Google is my friend.

4. Do you prefer to work alone on a small project or do you always have an assistant?

At first I worked alone and that helped me to treat each project with responsibility and maturity (if something didn't come out good, there was just one person to blame: me). Later though, I realized I'd evolve too slow without a team and I started to keep an eye open for other "dreamers". Currently, I cannot conceive a shooting without an assistant.

5. Do you intend to make films for a larger public audience? (Hollywood style)

Honestly, I'd like that a lot! I know my limits though and I still have to learn the craft. I'm gonna take it from point zero and hopefully we'll be releasing our first short film this year.

6. What do you like most: filming or editing?

Hmmm... Though question. If you're a self learner (autodidact), you can't learn to shoot without editing and you can't edit without shooting first. I think we, as videographers, need to master both areas.

Anyway, if I really need to give an answer, I'd say filming (being in the middle of the action, taking the pulse of the moment, looking for a new subject, reinventing myself). If there is no script for a live event, the power lies within the hands (and eyes) of the cameraman.

7. Which is the most important piece of video gear you use, apart from your camera?

Hard to say. I try not to think about the amount of effort as long as I like the content output. There are takes that push you to the limit, shooting sessions that drain you completely and projects that give you immense satisfaction no matter how hard you work.

For this particular video (above), there was a lot of work in filming even though the result could have been better. But it was a live event which had sports & athletes as subject and we shot it with DSLRs.

We were only 3 camera operators, covering sporting events in 14 locations across 3 days. Unfortunately, DSLRs aren't made for this type of events. Anyway, we drew this conclusion after the whole thing was over. :)

9. What's the video you enjoyed doing most and why?

Honestly I don't remember. I engage emotionally in almost each video. For instance, I felt excellent doing this clip:

The amount of effort you pour into a project is in direct proportion with your emotional involvement as an operator/director/editor.

I love this project specifically because of the people who acted in the film. It was a complex project involving directing, filming, editing and it culminated with the premiere of the movie. It was a special moment which we enjoyed together.

10. What do you recommend to a beginner who wants to become a professional videographer?

I recommend commitment, passion and patience. The most important thing is to know the rules so you can intentionally break them.

I believe each beginner should have a mentor from whom he/she could steal the craft. The influences of that mentor might appear in your work but I think this is the way towards professionalism. Once a videographer becomes a pro, he/she will inevitably develop his/her own style and bring it to a higher level.

Over to you

If you have any remarks to Calin's work or any question whatsoever, drop a comment and I'll do my best to get the answer from Calin.

I wanna go for RED Epic. Why?- It`s affordable (if I can say so...) after they dropped the prices- A little bit of slowmotion doesn't bother me at all :)- 4K resolution- RAW format- More dynamic rage- More space to work with color correction- It works with Canon EF lenses (with adapter)... and more :)

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Hello, dude or dudette! What's up? I'm Constantin and I enjoy shooting and editing videos. And I like to brag too. Because I'm modest! This site consists of tutorials and tips specifically created for people who are starting to edit videos. If that's you then I'm happy to help. You can learn more about me here.